The Art of Manifesting*
- Mary Kate
- May 12
- 7 min read
Doesn’t it seem like everyone is talking about manifesting these days? It makes you wonder: Is manifesting real? Can you really just call in what you want like a magical request and The Universe delivers it on a silver platter? The short answer is YES…yes you can…you just have to know how.
So what exactly is manifesting? A quick Google search tells you that manifesting is “the act of using methods such as visualization (picturing something in your mind) and affirmation (repeating positive phrases) to help you imagine achieving something, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen.” Okay, that’s a good start…here is the part I like: Manifesting is based on the idea that you can think your dreams into reality.” Yes! Dream your ideas into reality…love it! Now that sounds magical and much more exciting! Generating a certain amount of energy and excitement behind your idea is exactly what is needed to bring your dream to life.
Manifesting is something I have naturally been good at my whole life. I am not bragging (although it sounds that way), it is just something I realized I was good at after opening my first store back in 2021. At the time I wasn’t sure how I did it, I just did it. I now have come to learn that there is indeed an art to manifesting. There are actionable steps to bringing dreams and ideas into reality. Are you curious as to what those steps may be? Well, good news! I am going to share them with you!
Step One: Know What You Want
I know this step seems obvious but really most people have no idea what it is they truly want. When you ask someone what they want, they will say, “I don’t know…I just know I don’t want this.” Well, The Universe cannot possibly give you what you want, if you don’t know yourself. So, step one is to get clear on what your dream or goal is. I recommend getting a journal or notebook and on page one writing down what your goal is. For example, “My goal is to open my own brick and mortar business in 2025.” Be specific but not so specific as to limit yourself (more on that later).
Step Two: Let’s Get Some Energy Behind It
Here is where it gets juicy! Simply writing down your goal is not enough, you need to inject a little energy into your idea to get The Universe’s attention. How do you do that? Well, get excited for starters! You must truly believe that it is possible for you to achieve your goal. As Cinderella said, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Well, a dream will only ever remain a dream if you do not believe it is truly possible. So, start believing in yourself and the notion that you can do it! If you are having trouble mustering up that energy, find someone who already has or is already doing what you want and soak up a little of their positive energy. The more jazzed you are about your pet project, the more The Universe will stand up and take notice.
Step Three: Get Busy!!
To attract the Law of Attraction, you must actually do something. You have made your desire known by writing it down, you are pumping yourself up to get your engine going…now you must do something. Have you ever heard someone talk about what they are going to do, yet they never seem to actually do it? That is because they are skipping this step. You have to show The Universe you are serious by putting a little skin in the game. There are many ways to achieve this goal: A vision board (more on this later), a journal listing steps you need to take, talking with someone who can help you achieve your goal. These steps do not have to be drastic, but you need to do something every day no matter how small that inches you closer to the goal line. Mike Dooley, a well known motivational speaker and manifestor, likes to tell the story of when he was struggling financially. He dreamed one day he would be rich enough to own a luxury boat. Each week he would go to his local boating store and walk around absorbing the energy then he would buy one small item like a keychain to show his commitment to his dream. Well, you guessed it, today Mike is a millionaire and owns his own yacht. So, go buy yourself a keychain and show The Universe that you mean business.
Step Four: Don’t Push The Rock Up The Hill
Back in 2021, when I was looking for my first brick and mortar space I was determined that it would be in Cranford. I would not even look at any space that was outside of Cranford, which left me very limited. Even more limiting was that I wanted a specific space in Cranford which was supposed to be up for rental. I went and saw it and knew it was perfect for me. I envisioned my aromatherapy blending bar with shelves of crystals. I could see where everything would go in my hippy dippy shop. It would be sooooo perfect! Cold water was splashed on my dreams when the current tenant decided to stay. I was completely dejected. Then a friend who happens to be a realtor cajoled me into looking at space just a few miles down the road. I relented, loosened my grip on being in Cranford and looked at the space. Well, it was perfect for me and I rented it. What happened to the Cranford space? More on that at the end.
You see, you cannot be so specific with your dream that you limit yourself. The mistake I was making was I was envisioning exactly the way I WANTED it to be and left no room for The Universe with all of its magic and wonderment to collaborate. So, don’t push the rock…leave enough wiggle room for The Universe to get in and surprise you a little. So, that leads me to my next step.
Step Five: Wait for Delivery
Since you can’t push the rock up the hill, put your request in, keep your vibe high, keep committing to your dream by actually doing things, don’t limit yourself ... .then just wait for delivery! Much like putting your order with Amazon…you don’t call them (well, who would you call) or message them constantly…you put the order in then wait for the driver to drop it at your doorstep. Trust me, The Universe also delivers and better than your doorstep…it delivers right to your lap! It doesn’t get much better than that!
Tools for Manifesting:
There are few tools that will assist you with making magic happen.
A Journal: I really love keeping a journal for two reasons: (1) it tracks your progress, so when you look back you can see exactly how far you have come and (2) it is one of those energy steps I mentioned that shows the Universe you are serious about your goal.
A Vision Board: Full disclosure…I have never used one but that doesn’t mean they don’t work. You just have to be realistic with what you include. Mel Robbins, a famous podcaster and writer, said about vision boards (and I’m paraphrasing)...you create a vision board with pictures of mansions on the water in the South of France yet you are currently living in your mom’s guest bedroom. That’s a pretty big jump! Maybe start off a little more modest…and add photographs and phrases that will help to realize the BIG dream.
Meditate: Yes, the “m” word! Ugh! I know…it's so hard! Take just 10 minutes to do a guided meditation to slow your mind down a little…then open your journal and start writing. No judgement, just do your best.
Crystals: I wouldn’t be your hippie dippy friend if I didn’t include a few crystals in the tool box. Moonstone, Amethyst, and Clear Quartz are good starters. You can keep them in your pocket, sleep with them under your pillow, roll them around in your palm as you meditate, or keep them next to you when you journal. Just be sure to keep them cleansed, charged and programmed (see my earlier article on Crystals).
Have Fun: Lighten up, Francis…this is supposed to be fun! Life is serious but don’t take it so seriously. As the popular saying goes…it’s the journey not the destination, so enjoy the ride.
Final Thoughts:
As you manifest, keep your vibe high by showing gratitude for wherever you currently are on your journey. The higher you keep your energy, the more The Universe will respond. Keep in mind that there isn’t always a timeline, so try to be patient and keep track of your progress to keep the positive energy flowing. The Universe may test you to see if you are really committed to your goal. Stand strong and keep your vibe high…small setbacks like one I experienced with the Cranford location will happen. Recalibrate your compass and journey on!
Just to circle back to the Cranford location that slipped through my finger tips in 2021. I did reset my compass and landed in Westfield where I was very happy and my business flourished. By the end of 2023, it was clear I was outgrowing the space so I began the manifesting process to find a larger space to accommodate my growing business. I followed all the steps I just shared with you. At one point I caught myself trying to push the rock up the hill, so I stopped. I waited for The Universe to deliver but while I waited, I appreciated exactly where I currently was and continued to take small steps toward a new space. In June 2024, The Universe presented me with a gift. It was the original Cranford location that I wanted back in 2021, it had once again become available. I took the space…set up the hippie dippy shop that I had envisioned in 2021 and we all lived happily ever after!
Happy Manifesting!
Stop into The Curious Heart at 11 North Union Ave, Cranford to learn more and pick up tools to jump start your manifesting journey. Be sure to look for our upcoming one-day workshop on manifesting. It will be jam packed with all the tools and info you need to bring your best life to fruition! Coming in July 2025!
*Republished from Cranford Neighbors Magazine May 2025
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